University of Chicago Shared Facilities Updated March 2018

Many research and analytical services are available to University researchers on a free or fee-for-service basis. Please follow the links below for more information on services available, fees, scheduling, and other details.

Biological Sciences Division

Advanced Electron Microscopy: Cryopreservation and Tomography The Advanced Electron Microscopy Facility develops techniques for preserving cellular structure with the highest degree of reliability. These techniques involve different methods for rapidly freezing samples in order to halt structural and biochemical activity in a very short timeframe, thus preserving structure in the "live" state.

Animal Microsurgery Center (AMC) The AMC provides investigators with mouse and rat surgical models, including transplantation, ischemia, cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer and immunologic models, as well as bariatric and general surgical procedures. This core will also develop surgical techniques and approaches according to the requirements of investigator research.

Biophysics Core The Biophysics Core comprises a wide range of instrumentation and expertise to assist researchers in characterizing molecules of interest. From absolute properties to kinetic studies, the facility provides the tools, training, and assistance for quantitative analysis of macromolecules and their interactions.

Biostatistics Laboratory Members of the Biostatistics Lab advise and collaborate with investigators on study design (including sample size and power calculations, protocol development and the preparation of grant and contract proposals), study execution (including randomization, data monitoring, and oversight of data management and other study procedures), data analysis and interpretation, and manuscript preparation.

Cellular Screening Center (CSC) The CSC provides high throughput cell and non-cell based screening for researchers throughout the Chicago area. Both small molecules and siRNA libraries are offered for such screens.

Center for Research Informatics CRI offers state-of-the-art technologies for working with research data—from acquisition and storage to analysis and sharing.

Cytometry Antibody Technology (CAT) Facility The CAT Facility provides instrumentation and antibodies for the analytical detection of subcellular components and proteins using a range of fluorescence and non-fluorescence-based detection technologies. The CAT Facility also maintains an Antibody/Hybridoma Bank that provides commonly- used, highest-quality purified antibodies, pre-titered conjugated antibodies for flow cytometry, and hybridoma cell lines. cGMP Laboratory The cGMP Laboratory manufactures cell-based products and clinical grade reagents for treatment of patients on Phase I, II and III clinical trials. The cGMP facility is registered with the FDA in accordance with 21 CFR part 1271. The facility is capable of providing a range of services dedicated for supporting cellular based therapies including vaccines for patient treatment.

Genomics Facility The Genomics Facility provides state-of-the-art genomics data generation services through Next-Gen (Sequencing and Library prep), Micro-array (Affymetrix / Illumina), Sanger DNA Sequencing, and Bio- analyzer sample QC services. Projects include small whole genome sequencing, (small)-RNA-SEQ, ChIP- SEQ and Exome-SEQ projects [NGS], gene expression profiling, SNP-genotyping, Methylation profiling projects [arrays] and plasmid/PCR product sequencing.

Gnotobiotic Research Animal Facility (GRAF) The GRAF facility houses mice of many different genetic backgrounds which are derived as germ-free, having no microbes on or inside of them. These gnotobiotic mice serve as research models that are key in identifying the genes responsible for many disease predispositions and, more importantly, the mechanisms responsible so that ways to interfere with progression can be determined.

Human Imaging Research Office (HIRO) HIRO assists UChicago investigators and research staff with medical imaging performed on human subjects for research purposes. This includes the acquisition, analysis, collection, anonymization and distribution of image data.

Human Immunological Monitoring (HIM) The HIM facility serves as a specialized laboratory performing correlative assays for cancer-based clinical trials.

Human Tissue Resource Center (HTRC) The mission of this CAP-accredited core facility is to provide investigators with a centralized infrastructure to optimize the efficiency and costs related to research involving biospecimens. Currently the HTRC provides services for the collection of clinically-annotated human tissues, DNA, PBMC, saliva, and other requested body fluids. In addition, the core also provides services for tissue microarray (TMA) construction as well as cryostats and digital imaging for investigators use. In this way, the HTRC provides a coordinated, centralized, and dedicated program for the procuring, processing, dispersing and assessing all types of biospecimens together with downstream histology services.

Imaging, Computing, and Repository Core (ICAR) ICAR Core provides computing and data storage services for facilitating the integration of imaging technologies with cancer and biomedical research in the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. The mission of the ICAR Core is to allow researchers whose focus is not on imaging per se to take

2 advantage of state-of-art imaging modalities by supplying expertise in image analysis at whatever level necessary, ranging from basic consultation and recommendation to shared development of new analysis software.

Integrated Light Microscopy Core Facility This core provides high-end microscopy imaging capabilities, including bright field (color, DIC, etc.), fluorescence (multi-dimension; TIRFM; bleaching, ablation, etc.), high-resolution, high-speed, high- sensitivity, confocal, and physiologic techniques; STED-CW, GSD3D, lightsheet selective plane illumination (SPIM), and lattice lightsheet structured illumination super resolution microscopy to university researchers.

Integrated Small Animal Imaging Research Resource (iSAIRR) iSAIRR is a synergistically integrated infrastructure that offers a broad spectrum of imaging modalities, techniques, and services for in vivo imaging of small animals and ex vivo imaging of tissue/organ specimens. iSAIRR equipment includes Bruker 9.4T MRIS system, Caliper IVIS Spectrum system, GMI Triumph Tri-Modality Pre-Clinical microPET/SPECT/CT, S-Sharp Prospect 3.0 Utrasound, as well as workstations and software for image analysis.

MRI Research Center (MRIRC) Research at the MRIRC includes development of new fMRI methods, MRI methods for characterizing stroke, breast and prostate cancer imaging, use of quantitative MRI in clinical trials, including improvements in quantitative MRI methods, and development of new cardiac imaging methods.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility The Biomolecular NMR Core supports biochemical, biophysical, metabolomics research. The facility houses two 600 MHz and one 500 MHz NMR spectrometers, which are properly equipped for most modern solution state NMR experiments.

Pharmacology Core Facility The mission of the Pharmacology Core Facility is to foster clinical pharmacology and biomarker research regarding cancer therapeutics. The Facility offers comprehensive lab services to support cancer investigators conducting clinical and preclinical drug development studies.

Proteomics Core The Proteomics Core Facility is dedicated to the characterization of proteins and peptides. This facility provides advice and services pertaining to peptide synthesis, protein sequencing, mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis, and more.

Transgenic/ES Cell Technology Facility The Transgenic Mouse/Embryonic Stem Cell Facility provides genetic engineering services including the production of transgenic mice; ES cell gene targeting and culturing; CRISPR/Cas9 technology utilization; TARGATT technology; and BAC transgenic preparation and injection. The Facility also provides specialized breeding, rederivation and training services for GEM production and maintenance.

X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) XROMM integrates biplanar digital videofluoroscopy with CT-scan based reconstruction of morphology to produce high resolution (+ 0.1 mm) reconstructions of movements of biological structures.

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Beagle Beagle is the Computation Institute supercomputer for biomedical simulation and data analysis. The staff assist users in setting up their simulation.

Central Shop The Central Shop’s machinists build precision instruments for University scientists. Although housed in the Physical Sciences Division, the shop’s services are available to physicians and researchers campus- wide.

Cleanroom and Nanofabrication Facility The Searle Cleanroom and Nanofabrication Facility is open to all UChicago researchers. The cleanroom houses a variety of deposition, etching, lithography and device characterization tools in Class 100/1000 space. In adjacent space are facilities for handling chemical and biological samples, and a soft lithography laboratory.

Cleanroom and Nanofabrication Facility-Pritzker The Institute for Molecular Engineering includes the Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility (PNF), an open- access, 10,000 square foot ISO Class 5 research cleanroom that provides advanced lithographic processing of hard and soft materials. The PNF is a state-of-the-art cleanroom and nanofabrication facility, open to all researchers from UChicago and beyond.

Enrico Fermi Institute Electronic Shop The policy of the e-shop is to have graduate students design, route, build and test boards under the supervision of an electronics engineer. Along with faculty and students at UChicago, students and scientists from other institutions also are invited to use the facilities of the shop for their own designs.

Engineering Center (UCEC) The University of Chicago Engineering Center (UCEC) provides engineering services and support. UCEC has a highly trained staff of both electrical engineering and mechanical engineers.

FIB-SEM The FIB-SEM facility in the Department of the Geophysical Sciences features a TESCAN LYRA3 field- emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with a focused ion beam (FIB). The instrument is capable of high-resolution imaging, quantitative chemical analysis and mapping with x-ray detectors, crystallographic study with EBSD, and sample milling and liftout with the FIB. Staff offer training, operator-assisted and independent use of the instrument.

Graphic Arts A full-service print shop and a professional design studio, with a staff of award-winning graphic designers well-versed in the latest technologies. Located in the John Crerar Library, Graphic Arts has been servicing the unique print and design needs of the University of Chicago since 1945 and is home to UChicago’s only digital printing press.

4 Mass Spectroscopy Facility The Mass Spec Facility in the Department of Chemistry serves all campus users with 24/7 open access to both low-resolution and high-resolution molecular weight measurements and analyses. After consulting and training, users are able to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze organic, inorganic, and biological samples of gases, liquids, and solids by GC, GC/MS, GC/MS-MS, LC/MC, LC/MS-MS, MALDI/MS, MALDI/MS-MS.

The Chicago Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) hosts several shared facilities:

• MRSEC Materials Prep & Measurement Lab (MPML) The MPML provides shared research facilities for sample fabrication, processing, patterning and characterization. Instrumentation includes Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM), an optical spectroscopy suite including a confocal Raman microscope, surface preparation and coating systems, thermal processing, and digital fabrication systems.

• MRSEC Fast X-ray Imaging Facility The heart of this facility is a state-of-the-art OrthoScan HD mini C-arm x-ray tomography system capable of video rate imaging.

• MRSEC Image Processing Facility This mobile facility maintains a portable suite of 9 high-speed digital video cameras with imaging rates up to 1 million frames per second. This facility has been extensively used in outreach activities as well as in research.

• MRSEC Rheometry Facility This facility characterizes the stress/strain relationships and other rheological properties of complex fluids.

• MRSEC Student Machine Shop The shop gives MRSEC students the flexibility to easily design and safely produce machined parts and research prototypes.

• MRSEC Quantum Transport Laboratory The Quantum Transport Laboratory (QTL) maintains a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS), allowing for characterization of the electrical, thermal, transport, optical, and magnetic properties of a variety of samples as a function of temperature and magnetic field.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility The NMR Facility in the Department of Chemistry serves the students, faculty, and staff across the departments of UChicago and affiliates, allowing users to obtain their own spectra.

Chicago Stable Isotope Ratio Facility (ChiSIR) The CHiSIR facility measures the stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, including clumped isotopes in carbon dioxide, in a variety of bulk samples. Staff help users design experiments and sampling strategies, from using labelled material and following label incorporation to determining how much sample needs to be collected and what controls are required.

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X-Ray Research Facilities The X-ray facilities in the Department of Chemistry consist of a small-molecule crystallography core and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy core.

Social Sciences and Humanities Facilities

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Labs There are various lab facilities on campus that serve the needs of GIS users. Some of these facilities are open to ALL faculty, staff, and students. Other labs are reserved for members of particular departments.

Hack Arts Lab (HAL) HAL provides an open-access laboratory for creative digital fabrication and visualization. This makerspace-styled workshop is designed to support a breadth of activity ranging from undergraduate projects to faculty-led exploration.

Logan Center Shop The Logan Center Shop is a dynamic production and instructional center on the first floor of the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. The Shop supports two primary user groups: students and faculty in the Department of Visual Arts and the Department of Theater and Performance Studies. Additionally, the Logan Shop also supports a few student-generated projects not directly affiliated with DoVA or TAPS programming, accepted quarterly through a proposal process.

Logan Media Center A joint effort of the Humanities Division, Information Technology Services (ITS), and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, the Logan Media Center (LMC) supports the arts at UChicago by providing AV equipment, production space, software, and technical training for curricular, co-curricular, and personal arts projects by faculty, students, and staff.

MRI Research Center Research at the MRIRC includes development of new fMRI methods, MRI methods for characterizing stroke, breast and prostate cancer imaging, use of quantitative MRI in clinical trials, including improvements in quantitative MRI methods, and development of new cardiac imaging methods.

NORC NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, NORC has conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with NORC to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.

Social Sciences Computing Services Social Sciences Computing Services is made up of several distinct support teams that provide the following services to the Social Sciences Division: desktop support, administrative support, server support, social sciences data archive, and geographic information systems and science.

6 The Survey Lab The Survey Lab is a research center in the Division of the Social Sciences that collects social scientific data and trains students in data collection methods. Staff collaborate with academic researchers, nonprofit organizations, and university administrators in a variety of areas including childcare, health, hunger, sexuality, education and the arts.

Argonne National Laboratory

BioCARS BioCARS is a national user facility for synchrotron-based, dynamic studies in structural biology and the physical sciences, located at Sector 14 of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The overall goal of user experiments is to understand basic biological, chemical and physical processes in structural and dynamic terms, at the level of atomic resolution and on a time scale from picoseonds to seconds.

ChemMatCARS ChemMatCARS is a national user facility and it operates three experimental stations in the areas of advanced small-molecule crystallography, liquid surface and interface scattering, and small to wide- angle scattering at Sector 15 of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory.

GeoSoilEnviroCARS GSECARS is a national user facility for frontier research in the earth sciences using synchrotron radiation at Sector 13 of the Advanced Photon Source, at Argonne National Laboratory. It provides earth scientists with access to the high-brilliance hard X-rays from this third-generation synchrotron light source. All principal synchrotron-based analytical techniques in demand by earth scientists are being brought to bear on earth science problems.

Marine Biological Laboratory

Apparatus Department The Apparatus Department rents a wide variety of scientific equipment including microscopes and accessories, oscilloscopes, microfuges, power supplies, baths, shakers, incubators, and ovens. Apparatus also sells electronic components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors. Any unusual components not in stock can be ordered for quick delivery.

Central Microscope Facility The Central Microscopy Facility supplies year round and summer investigators as well as courses with instrumentation, some owned by MBL and some on loan.

General Use Equipment Rooms The General Use Equipment Rooms supply year-round and summer investigators with instrumentation, some owned by MBL and some on loan. Located in the Whitman and Lillie buildings, these rooms provide such equipment as balances, pH meters, centrifuges, cell disruption systems, spectrophotometers, gel scanner and analysis system, pipet puller, and PCR. Limited -80°C freezer space is available.

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Marine Resources Center The Marine Resources Center is a highly advanced facility for maintaining, culturing, and providing aquatic organisms essential to advanced biological, biomedical, and ecological research.

National Xenopus Resource (NXR) The NXR provides a facility for breeding X. laevis and X. tropicalis, maintaining genetic stocks, providing stocks to researchers, developing new experimental tools and husbandry techniques, and meeting other needs of the Xenopus research community through workshops and meetings.

Stable Isotope Laboratory The MBL Stable Isotope Laboratory is located at The Ecosystems Center on the campus of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Both natural abundance and isotopically enriched samples can be accommodated.

W.M. Keck Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics Facility The Keck Facility at the Josephine Bay Paul Center (JBPC) is equipped for high-throughput DNA template production, capillary sequencing, and “Next-Gen” library preparation and sequencing.

Other Shared Facilities and Services

Data Visualization Lab The Research Computing Center (RCC) Data Visualization Laboratory is located in the Kathleen A. Zar Room in the John Crerar Library and is available for use by all RCC users.

Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fab Lab The Polsky Fab Lab offers all Polsky Exchange members a full suite of state of the art equipment and software to create prototypes and translate ideas into physical objects.

Research Computing Center (RCC) The RCC enables the advancement of critical inquiry in many fields—from the physical sciences to the social sciences to the humanities. In addition to the cutting-edge hardware and the advanced software that RCC maintains, its expert staff—computational scientists, research programmers, and HPC systems administrators—assist research projects through support, consultation, and training to help effectively implement our hardware, software, and visualization resources.

Institute for Translational Medicine The University of Chicago Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM) is a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Awards consortium that helps convert biomedical research into health improvement. The UChicago ITM connects researchers and community organizations with funding, training, and other resources while forging connections across departments, universities, and patient advocacy groups.

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